Newcastle pub warns football fans to not wear Arab-style clothing in celebration of their team’s Saudi takeover. This is because fancy dress could be ‘considered cultural appropriation’

  • To celebrate the takeover, fans of Toon were seen wearing headdresses in Arab style.
  • The Bridge Tavern stated that they would be devastated if anyone felt uncomfortable 
  • Newcastle United were bought for £305million by a Saudi-backed consortium
  • Kick It Out and FA expressed concern over the celebratory antics










Newcastle fans are asked by a pub in the city centre not to wear Arab-style clothing during celebrations of the club’s takeover.

The Bridge Tavern, Akenside Hill, Newcastle, is asking supporters not to wear attire that could be considered cultural appropriation.

It comes after fans have been seen wearing traditional robes and headdresses in a misguided show of support for the club’s £305m takeover by a Saudi-backed consortium.

The Bridge Tavern issued a statement on its Facebook page, saying: “While we understand that Newcastle fans are excited by the recent club takeover. We also ask that customers refrain form attending our bar wearing any attire that might be considered culturally inappropriate.

The Bridge Tavern on Akenside Hill told punters that they should refrain from visiting the venue in attire 'that might be considered as cultural appropriation'

The Bridge Tavern on Akenside Hill advised punters to refrain from wearing attire that could be considered cultural appropriation.

“We welcome everyone in our charming little boozer. We would be devastated if anyone felt unwelcome or disrespected.”

Customers who support the venue’s stance online have liked and shared the post hundreds of time.

Newcastle United also sent the same message to their fans earlier in the week. They stated that they don’t want supporters to wear such attire if they wouldn’t ordinarily, to prevent offending others.

A club spokesperson said that Newcastle United would ask supporters not to wear traditional Middle East-inspired or Arabic clothing at matches.

Fans of Newcastle United dress up prior to the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday

Newcastle United fans dress up for the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur.

Fans of Newcastle United dressed in fancy dress celebrate the takeover outside St James's Park on Sunday

Newcastle United fans dressed up in fancy dress to celebrate the takeover at St James’s Park on Sunday

Fans of Newcastle United dress up prior to the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday

Newcastle United fans dress up for the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur.

‘A number of supporters have recently attended St James’ Park wearing associated head coverings and robes, marking the takeover of the club by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media.

“No one among the new ownership group was offended by the attire worn by those who chose to celebrate in this manner.

“It was a gesture that was positive and welcoming in its intention.

“However, it is possible that this way of dressing may be culturally inappropriate and could offend others.

“All visitors to the club are encouraged to wear whatever the norm for their culture or religion. This will continue to reflect the rich and diverse multicultural communities from which the club proudly draws support.

Kick It Out and The FA stated that they were alarmed at the spectacle. The equality and inclusion group reached out to the club to voice their concerns.

Anti-racism group Kick It Out want the club to educate fans; pictured is Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammad bin Salman, head of PIF - Newcastle's new ownership group

Kick It Out, an anti-racism group, wants the club to educate its fans. pictured is Mohammad bin Salman from Saudi Arabia, head of PIF – Newcastle’s new ownership group

A 'Justice for Jamal Khashoggi' banner was seen outside Newcastle's first game under new ownership against Spurs on Sunday

A banner titled “Justice for Jamal Khashoggi”, was seen outside Newcastle’s game against Spurs on Sunday.

Scottish National Party MP John Nicolson called Newcastle supporters ‘numpties’ after they were seen dancing in cod Arabic headdresses at St James’ Park following their controversial Saudi-backed takeover.

Scottish National Party MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, Nicolson, stated that the supporters ‘just didn’t care about Saudi Arabia’s human rights abuses’ at a Digital, Culture, and Sport Committee hearing in London.

He said his thoughts were with Hatice Cengiz, the widow of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was allegedly ordered to be killed by Mohammed bin Salman, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The PIF provided around 80 per cent of the £305million used to buy Newcastle United.

Newcastle United lost 3-2 at Tottenham in the first match of the new regime, while their new owners watched. 

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